EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRYwill soon take on a whole new meaning at IGY Marinas. That’s because restaurants, hotels and resorts will become a bigger focus for this Fort Lauderdale, Florida-headquartered world’s largest international marina network, which launched its hospitality division in June. Some of IGY’s Caribbean properties will be among the first to benefit. More specifically, there will be a taste-lift and concept refresh for its Fat Turtle restaurants, located at Yacht Club at Isle de Sol in St. Maarten and the Marina at Yacht Haven Grande in St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. In addition, IGY is exploring the possibility of building a second hotel on the upland at Yacht Haven Grande.
“The Caribbean continues to draw travelers from around the world, making it a target market for our growth strategy. Our plan for the close of 2017 is to have solidified other marina facilities that will join our IGY-branded hospitality portfolio,” says Charlie Irons, who was recently promoted from director of operations at the 5-Gold Anchor Yacht Haven Grande to IGY’s vice president of hospitality division.
IGY operates marinas in other Caribbean islands such as St. Lucia and the Turks & Caicos, as well as in South America, Mexico and the U.S.
Relaxation, team racing and partying is the best way to describe the Moorings Interline Regatta, set for October 14-23 in the British Virgin Islands. In 1983, the regatta began as a way to make use of the territory’s large charter fleet during the slow fall season by staging a battle on the seas among airline personnel, and continues today as a laidback weeklong yachting competition. True to its roots, the regatta features island-to-island sailing aboard sleek yachts such as Moorings 41- and 43-foot monohulls. Each night, spectators and racers alike celebrate at legendary parties that coincide with the regatta at some of the hottest night spots in the B.V.I.
The Moorings Interline Regatta is set for October 14-23 in the British Virgin Islands. Photo: The Moorings
This year includes a sail to Peter Island that ends at the Oceans 7 Beach Club with a Greek Mythology Theme Party; a race up to the Bitter End Yacht Club in North Sound, Virgin Gorda followed by a Viking Theme Party; and a cruise to Norman Island complete with a Pirates Party Haaard Theme. Best of all, the regatta isn’t open to just members of the airline industry but also to their family and friends. In fact, each team is only required to have one flight crewmember aboard. What’s more, even non-boating visitors to the B.V.I. can join in as spectators to this exciting racing event.
Villa vacation on yacht-friendly Anguilla No opera, theater or upscale shopping malls are found on the British overseas territory of Anguilla located eight miles north of St. Martin-St. Maarten. Yet this sandbar-flat 35-square-mile Caribbean gem offers everything adventure-loving family groups could ever desire—including beachfront villa accommodations that feel like home. “The clear blue and calm Anguillan waters are idea for yachting,” says Neil Freeman, general manager of Beaches Edge Villas, a duo of 5-bedroom oceanfront sister villas that overlook Pelican Bay. Garfield’s Sea Tours rents Sunseeker Seahawk 48s that are ideal for day trips to Anguilla’s three nearly uninhabited offshore islands: Prickly Pear, Sandy and Dog Islands. Prickly Pear and Sandy have restaurants that serve lunch and are surrounded by superb snorkeling sites. Dog Island is more remote and inhabited only by birds and lizards, but it boasts two great scuba diving sites. Garfield’s also charters a 31-foot Bertram for sportfishing. Or, go for a day sail aboard Capt. Rollin Ruan’s 35-foot Edel catamaran Chocolat and enjoy a barbecued chicken lunch with all the fixings. “Sailboat racing is the national pastime of Anguilla. Locally made wooden boats with as many as 20 in the crew race with gusto around the island for bragging rights,” Freeman says. beachesedge.com
